
Evan Kasprzak was an unlikely candidate to make the final four in the series finale of Fox TV’s fiercely competitive So You Think You Can Dance. Short, quirky, and not having a background in some of the more common dance techniques, his unique style and irrepressible personality won the hearts of America. Buzzine‘s Lauren Elfman finds out what makes Evan tick.
Lauren Elfman: How long have you been dancing?
Evan Kasprzak: I’ve been dancing for 16 years. I started when I was six.
LE: Having watched the show before, was being on the show as hard as you thought it would be?
EK: Being on the show was actually harder than I thought. When I watched previous seasons, I remember thinking, “That’s not too bad. I
think I could do that.” The amount of stress and fatigue are unbelievable. There were times when I wasn’t sure if my body was going to hold up, but I pulled through. I have a newfound respect for anyone who has survived the show.
LE: How many other family members do you have that are dancers?
EK: My brother Ryan and I both dance. My grandma Jenny dances as well. She started clogging when she was 70. She danced with a senior’s performance company called Anderson Senior Follies in South Carolina.
LE: By your “vintage film” styles, it seems you and your brother have both been inspired by similar influences.
EK: We were both greatly inspired by the classic movie musicals. Dancers like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Donald O’Connor are a huge inspiration. Their style and presence are unmatched.
LE: If you weren’t a dancer, what would your career goals be?
EK: If I wasn’t a dancer, I would probably want to open my own custom car shop. I love working on cars of all sorts. It is very gratifying to look at a car that you’ve worked on and be able to say, “I built that.”
LE: Which partner/routine did you have the most fun with?
EK: Mia [Michaels]‘ “butt” routine with Randi was the most fun. It was great getting to become this very out-there character. Also, the movement was so interesting and gooey. The piece was out of my comfort zone but very enjoyable.
LE: Which number was the most challenging?
EK: The samba with Pasha and Anya was the most challenging piece. They didn’t pull any punches with the choreography. The latin style is very foreign to me. I’m used to being goofy and funny, but with the samba, it’s supposed to be hot and sexy. It was just a little out of my comfort zone.
LE: What has your feedback been like? Have you been overwhelmed by fans/compliments? What does your family think about your sudden stardom?
EK: People have been amazingly supportive. It’s a little overwhelming to think that six months ago I was in class, and now millions of people know my name. My family is awesome! They have been with me every step of the way. They help keep me grounded and humble.
LE: Do you see the bright lights of Broadway in your future?
EK: Yes. It is one of my dreams to be in a Broadway show. I plan on finishing my degree and then I’m off to New York. I’m open to go wherever the wind may take me!